Rice production in Thailand is expected to decline this year on account of damage caused by last year's flooding in north and central regions of the country.

The north (17 provinces) and the central (19 provinces) are major growing areas for white rice, accounting for about 70% of total white rice production in Thailand, according to a recent report from the U.S. agricultural attache for the country.

The flooding could force up to a 5% reduction in the size of the harvest. However, white rice supplies will likely ease by the end of March as bumper second-crop production is expected in the north and central regions, which account for around 95% of total second-crop white rice production.

The 2006-07 main crop production in the north, accounting for around 30% of total main-crop white rice production, will likely decline by 3% due to the damage from tropical depressions (Typhoon Prapiroon in early August and Typhoon Xangsane in late September).

The damaged areas from flooding are estimated at around 600,000 rai (96,000 hectare), most of which are in major growing areas in the lower northern provinces. However, second-crop cultivation is in good condition. Second-crop production is forecast to increase by 4% from last year in response to acreage expansion and average yield improvement.